REVIEW: Prima Luna Evo 100 Preamp

[@upscaleaudio]

Steve - I am so pleased and humbled that you feel so strongly about the PrimaLuna. Thank you so much. We design it neutral, so it can go brighter or darker easily. Add warmth? Add one pair JJ 12AX7. Maybe $40. Some people have asked about output impedance. The EVO300 and 400 preamps have a cathode-follower design resulting in a 256 ohm output impedance for those power amps that are crazy low input impedance. The EVO100 will be fine with at least 90% of the amps out there. Kevin Deal

[@pala23mj]

Will the Evo 400 pre be a good match for a Bryston power amp. Bryston 2.5B3??

[@pala23mj]

I have Definitive technology BP7002 from about 10 years ago maybe 12 when Sandy G was still around. Your thoughts on this would be very much appreciated! Cheers

[@yuckysamson]

What's the best deal at Upscale Audio?? Kevin Deal. That's right.

[@garymoore3497]

No... Surface is way ahead. Surface amps do not need a "preamp".. Just a power stage..... Makes me wonder if there is anyone out there actually reading these replies. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYXMZ62od9afbqc

[@stevec3526]

I did not know that Kevin Deal was the pre-amp's designer.

[@Krell666]

Rocking a PrimaLuna Evo 300 integrated here. Stunning in every way. Build is off the charts, sound is just incredible. PrimaLuna have knocked it out of the park with the Evo range. Great review too Steve!

[@morespinach9832]

Wha speakers do you power with these. And is your source digital, like a bluesound note or a Mac mini?

[@Krell666]

@@morespinach9832 Currently driving a pair Of Dynaudio Contour 20s and sources are CD from a Cyrus CDt or Mac to a Gieseler Kompakt DAC, also vinyl from a Rega Planar 8. The EVO scales beautifully as you increase the quality of the sources feeding it..

[@morespinach9832]

@@Krell666 gorgeous setup. Wow. Thanks for sharing! Contour 20i is my short list too. Just don’t know if I’d need subwoofers with them.

[@davidstein9129]

I love my PrimaLuna integrated amp.

[@robertgustafson4507]

I have owned Prima Luna Prologue III pre amp for about 10 years. It appears to be a predecessor of the EVO 100. I have been pleased with the sound and reliability of the preamp and you noted the support network. Thanks for the review!.

[@rickyblair8802]

Very few reviewers can make the reader or watcher feel like they have heard the gear being talked about but Steve does, awesome

[@h2ophilter]

Hey Steve, we crossed paths in the Prima Luna room at AXPONA 2019. You came in, checked out the hardware briefly and then sat right next to me. You closed your eyes to listen to the music they were demoing. I didnt say hi because I didnt want to bother. Hope all is well!

[@davidjohnston9651]

I love my prima luna evo 300 matched with Cornwall 4s and set of REL carbon specials. It's used with a Rega p8 and the more hours I get on this setup the better it sounds. I swapped the power tubed from the EL34s to the KT150s. I thought it gave more headroom, but after several months I switched back to the EL34s and they are definitely so musical. I am very happy to have this tube amp!

[@Matasky2010]

Are you talking about the 300 integrated amp?

[@davidjohnston9651]

@@Matasky2010 no. I have the evolution 300 non integrated tube amp. It pumps out plenty of power. I also have the klipsch cornerhorns and la scalas and it is even.better with those.

[@Matasky2010]

@@davidjohnston9651 Ok so you have the Eve 400 power amp, this video is about the PREamp so a bit confusing

[@williammcenaney1331]

Thank you, Steve. It's great to know you like the Evo 100 because mine arrived two days ago. Paired with the new B&W 705 Signature speakers, it's a dream come true for this old opera buff. So I should thank my dear friend Nick Shippey for recommending my new gear.

[@grahamlester1386]

Prima Luna are a breath of fresh air in the Audio World, the build and sound quality are way above their price point and is aimed at the real World music lover, I live in the UK and the importer, Absolute Sounds imports the finest and (most expensive ) collection of gear on the planet and yet they feel Prima Luna is a worthy addition to their brand base, praise indeed! Looking at the KZbin sites and viewing the high end systems they all sound fantastic but then they mention the component costs, I was looking at one the other day and the equipment racks were $35000.00.

[@williamlegall2988]

No one could be more interesting AND less boring. Steve is simply amazing, though everyone already realizes this fact, but just had to say it anyway. I'm in an audio-related business, for decades, and the last thing I want to hear is audio commentary. This being said, I never get tired of Steve, and learn many things each and every time. In fact, each time I learn of how little I know. (I try not to dwell on this realization:-)

[@pauljoyquilter359]

Totally agree with you on the value, build and sound quality of the PrimaLuna gear. I run the big VTL 7.5 with Siegfrieds but I still smile and tap my foot every time I listen to my secondary system with the PrimaLuna EVO400 integrated. It’s just so musically communicative and engaging. Thanks for your insight Steve. We share not only age and parallel experiences in HiFi retail, but also a fair bit in musical tastes. All the best...

[@keeferdog5617]

Paul & Joy Quilter Hey Paul- Are you the couple from New Zealand and into audio? I remember seeing some of your vids and they’re well done! Keep up the good work, Mate! Cheers from the States

[@pauljoyquilter359]

keeferdog - yes, we are the audiophiles. We own the audio distribution company PQ Imports and before that we started The Listening Post chain of audio retail stores.

[@linnemeyerhere]

I wholeheartedly agree and I've been all over the audio landscape starting with a Fischer 500C bought used for my mom wayback in the day.......then many solid state solutions till I returned home with my PL HP premium integrated and sonically I've returned to home sweet home !

[@antoinerigault8821]

Great review Sir. I always had a love & hate relationship between solid state vs tube gear… But, it may sound crazy after some time with Primaluna, switched to Pass Lab (which was truly excellent but I was missing something…) so went back to Primaluna Evo 400 preamp paired with Evo 400 monoblocks… Class A all the way at a fraction of the price.

[@Matasky2010]

A fraction of what price? You bought 3 x Evo 400 amps!!

[@billbones1000]

Steve, I have a prima Luna prologue one, purchased used for 1000$ Canadian dollars. I absolutely love it, last amp I'll ever buy. Pared with a pair of open baffle spatial audio speakers is a pretty impressive sound for a very reasonable price!

[@ogsan1296]

Hey Matthew, if you don't mind me asking, Which Spatial Audio Speaker? Im looking to go this way as well. Wanna p/u new EVO series and Spatial audio X-5. Your thoughts...

[@billbones1000]

@@ogsan1296 you will be very very happy! I have the older M4 turbo S spatial audios, paired with the prima Luna, a good small sub and a good source (mostly vinyl myself) it's heaven.....huge soundstage, incredible dynamics, the spatials never feel forced, everything just jumps from them, they are a very very fast and dynamic speaker, highs are accurate and extended but never sharp and the mid-range is exactly what your amp sounds like so a good amp with nice mids focused tubes and your in for a real treat. Bass is very tight, focused and uncolored. I'm a musician and play multiple instruments daily so an amp and speaker that can reproduce accurate tone and size are super important to me.....these components together are the best I have ever heard. A subwoofer is recommended though, don't need anything big or powerful but a little sub really helps the open baffles in adding weight and room pressure when reproducing kick drums or mixes where the bass player is prominent in the mix. My sub is set very very low, never know it's there but it's a little icing on the cake that really makes a difference. I have a drum kit in my home so am super aware of exactly how a kick drum pressurizes my room, the spatials are good on their own but with a little sub the sound is amazingly like the real thing.

[@Diatonic5th]

You have almost the exact system that I plan on upgrading to! I'm considering the Spatial Audio Sapphire M5's with a PrimaLuna EVO 100. How large is the room that you have your Spatial's setup in? My listening room is only 11'X15', but I can pull the speakers in 3' ft. from the rear wall. Do you think a room this size this would work?

[@billbones1000]

@@Diatonic5th I think you will be very very happy! Having them three feet from wall is ideal, your room size may even help them with bass reproduction as it's a smaller space to pressurize. Spatials are in my experience less room dependent than traditional box speakers so you should be getting a huge improvement in soundstage and instrument clarity compared to traditional designs. I really believe that the spatial/prima Luna combo is as good as it gets in the working man's price bracket.......in order to beat that combo you will have to jump WAY up in price and even there your gains vs cost equation will be hard to justify unless you are very wealthy with money to burn.

[@RJ_Chicago]

Steve, not surprised that the PrimaLuna Preamplifier hit it out of the park. I have a Dialogue Premium HP integrated amp and it is fantastic and built like a tank. When I go to pick this thing up which I try not to do often, I have to be ready and feeling strong! My one complaint is that the little rubber bands on each end of the remote break. But PrimaLuna delivers the quality.

[@VintageStereoCollectorChannel]

Hey Steve. Thanks for reviewing the Evo 100! I am still on the fence for tube gear and I have considered Primaluna products. I have seen their build quality and like the fact they have auto biasing. Just picked up a Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ two days ago at Upscale Audio and saw mountains of Primaluna gear in their warehouse. I have bought tubes from the for my Luxman CL35 MkIII preamp.

[@koolbeans8568]

I purchased a PrimaLuna EVO 300 preamp partially because this review and my hifi system has never sounded better. It's audio on another level completely and I love it. ''i

[@craigellsworth3952]

Still loving the EVO 300 Pre amp? And have you done any tube rolling?

[@koolbeans8568]

@@craigellsworth3952 I purchased some rare Phillips Holland rectifier tubes but haven't installed them yet. Preamp sounds even better after several hundred hours burn-in.

[@richieroo4844]

Great choice, what power amp are you using with the 300 pre?

[@genehart261]

My most recent audio purchases after over 50 years in the hobby were geared toward longevity and legacy value; hence my purchase of Prima Luna electronics. After about four years of ownership i feel that the choice was a wise one. Extremely pleased with the equipment for all the reasons that you mention plus this stuff is built to be handed down, much like the classic gear from 50-60 years ago.

[@rolson6775]

Shout out to Herbie Mann at the Village gate. One of if not the best live jazz albums of all time.

[@louiesipes2257]

Thanks Steve, you’ve just confirmed my suspicions. Now to start saving😀

[@Cashmore1671]

Steve, I cannot agree more with your thoughts on the Primaluna pre amp. I recently purchased a high end system from Upscale Audio via Kat, my lady. My first serious system was put together back in 69 or 70, those years are a bit of a blurr as far as a time line goes except for that first sound system I put together consisting of; A Dual 1229 on the front end, going to a Marantz 7T pre amp along with 2 monoblock Dyna Stereo 70’s and a pair of Rectilinear speakers. I enjoyed this setup for many years then in the late 70’s I somehow got sucked in to the solid state vortex, saying goodbye to my tube setup and replacing with a decent Marantz receiver and a pair of AR3’s, along with a Thorens Deck and a Revox reel to reel. Well, to make a long story even longer, a steady job came along, managed to detox from my late 60’s period, raised two great children along with my partner and setted into yuppieville for the next 40 years. Along came retirement and a move from the Bay Area to San Diego to be closer the the kiddos. Sitting one day in this rather large home in Del Mar I gazed for weeks at my vinyl collection and finally said WTF I need a sound system to fill fill up this rather perfect bonus room. For those past 40 years I dreamed of owning another analog system, especially the Klipshorn AR 6’s. I stumbled onto Upscale audio by chance and was delighted to find that great audio gear was still to be had. Thanks to Kevin and Kat at Upscale I filled that spare room with the sweetest sound this side of heaven. Rega P8 with the Alphea cartouche from Rega, Primaluna evo 300 pre and the Evo 300 power amp feeding the pair of Khorns. I’m now waiting on the Rose 150 streamer and listening to all my great vinyl along with many newly aquired LP’s. I could not be happier with this purchase even given the fact that I had to pass on a new Rivian, since the cost of the new sound system was just about a wash. Unlike a new car this sound system is priceless and will take me to my grave.

[@millmoormichael6630]

Man, love the stories and album recommendations 👏

[@gregorypatton360]

Some of steves recomendations have become my go to albums.

[@SuperMcgenius]

Regarding tube rolling, it is one of the reasons I bought a Aesthetix preamp, it can change itself depending on your tube choice. Much cheaper than switching preamps. I have had it for years now and no plans on changing it.

[@DSupremeLounge]

I have a Primaluna Prologue Preamp w/gold lion tubes (kept rectifier tubes... they’re awesome) mated with Primaluna Prologue 7 monoblocks w/gold lion kt88’s and Tannoy Revolution XT8F”s and I’m happier than a fat kid with cake

[@cybergod77]

Thks, been waiting for your reviews on Primaluna preamps. Hope you can review their tube dac too

[@samanthahung3730]

I have basically all Chinese made opponents that all received the Blue Moon Award,. Great sound, great value. If they are not made in China, the price would be at least 2-3 times more for the same built and sound quality. Yes, China also makes bad quality products, but what do you expect when you pay $10.99 for a toaster?

[@baschii7603]

Which where the best ones? And did you compare them to non chinese gear?

[@slam854]

My system is Prima Luna Dialogue Plus w/Dialogue Premium HP power amp. These amps are so musical and fast it is jaw dropping. Manley Chinook phono stage, Kiseki PH cart and VPI HRX turntable. JBL 4425 studio monitors complete the presentation. Speakers are placed so perfect HxWxD create a true sound stage that is like being there. Power tube are KT77's, remainder Gold Lion.

[@willhallmark2465]

ENJOYED THE REVIEW. I WAS ORDERING MY EVO 300 INTEGRATED AMP JUST AS KEVIN AND MIKE ( I believe) WERE SENDING YOU THE EVO 100 PRE. EXCELLENT EQUIPMENT! THINKING ABOUT GETTING AN EVO PRE FOR MY KISMET MONO BLOCKS. AFTER LISTENING TO MY EVO 300 INTEGRATED AND YOUR REVIEW I AM LEANING IN THAT DIRECTION. THANKS, WILL

[@carlitomelon4610]

Thanks Steve. A great review where you just can't help but talk about the MUSIC you enjoyed using this equipment. I'm checking out your recommendations right now. I'm looking forward to hooking up my valve amp again in the autumn. I always use valve buffers: "The ineffable magic of valves" ;-) So, why didn't Uncle Kevvy send you a matching PrimaLuna amplifier? Maybe check out an integrated PrimaLuna for us too?

[@franciscocunhaetavora9132]

For the same money, would you go for the EVO400 integrated of for EVO100 pre-amp plus 2 EVO100 amps in mono?

[@spark7516]

Good question!

[@redstarwraith]

As I sat viewing this installment, I see the FedEx truck pull up in front of my house to deliver . . . . tubes ordered from Upscale Audio!

[@johnbartel5229]

I own the Primaluna Dialogue Premium Preamp and have decided that it is absolutely my final preamp in my system journey. Am searching for the right amp now. Can't decide whether to go with SS or tube but am leaning toward tube.

[@FOH3663]

Interesting ... which loudspeakers would you be powering with the amp in question?

[@johnbartel5229]

I have a pair of Paradigm Studio 60v.5 floor standers and a pair of Klipsch Sub 350's. So Anthem amps are one of my considerations.

[@johnbartel5229]

And I to changed my tubes to Gold Lions in my Dialogue Preamp

[@andylockwood1735]

I have the primaluna DiaLogue premium preamp with a pair of primaluna DiaLogue premium HP amps as monos for my focal electra 1038 be speakers. Might be overkill but I'm not planning on changing anytime soon. Maybe speakers, dacs or cartridge but for the most part I'm in audio bliss. Now I just have to get my new audio room built in my new house. I have gold lions in the preamp and winged c in the amps.

[@commane21]

I have the same speakers - I’m having major upgrade fever. Not you?

[@neiltal5992]

Very happy with my PL integrated amp.

[@stevec3526]

For an American pre-amp there is also the Schiit FREYA + for $900.

[@ssks1979]

Ignoring for the moment the comment of poor service from Schiit audio, I would ask if the PL does sound $1100 better or even far better than the price difference. I've heard neither pre-amp but I wonder what you get for the dollar.

[@jerryjohnson4625]

I have that Herbie Mann LP too. Always wondered what the stage and room looked like. Would like to go separates when my wallet gets fat , but for now , Premaluna Prologue integrated , and it's no slouch , powering a pair of Linton's. Love your videos Steve, all the way in Missouri.

[@jimminychristmas8100]

I've got mine paired with a PL power amp, it just seems right

[@BicycleJoeTomasello]

Yeah the Village Gate I remember Roland Kirk with 5 instruments in his mouth and Monk playing there. Charles Mingus had a residency. Roy Buchanan too. le poisson rougue is the same room as the Village Gates basement venue where I saw other great acts like The Heartbreakers in the 70s too, Art D'Lugoff was the man. Just saw the Bush Tetras performing a live stream from le poison rouge.

[@michaeloconnor5602]

Lovely review Steve. I have a PL Dialogue premium HP integrated amp and I love it. I have developed an interest in solid state class A and I would love your take on Sugden amplifiers. I recently acquired a pre-owned A21 se signature. Gorgeous sound.

[@RickRoberts_simplyrick]

tube preamps with solid state amplifiers. Tubes are good at voltage modulation, amps are good at current modulation and delivery. A tube hybrid amplifier takes advantage of both using a tube input stage modulating a solid state output stage. Check Aesthetix brand.

[@estebanmedaglia4506]

I have the original PrimaLuna DiaLogue One (paid $2400 back in 2011). I also have a Mc MA8900 integrated (list price today: $8K). Guess which one I use and enjoy most? Hint: it glows.

[@morespinach9832]

Wow that’s a glowing review. Especially against a Mcintosh!

[@alexejnemov]

Chifi has come along way the last two years in both design and sound, so this is not surprising.

[@stimpy1226]

Village gate was a great place. But, I'll take the Vanguard any day of the week. Just to see Max Gordon sitting there was it worth the price of admission.

[@pennfootball71]

ALSO in your price range the Quicksilver linestage preamp is available for like $1495 made in the USA and like 200-300 more for a remote still under $2000 made in USA by real Americans.

[@hilde45]

You beat me to my comments! I'm so glad that you jumped in there because you are 100% right

[@anoxicfiltrationplenums]

Made in the great USA ...

[@a5kobe313]

you Murikans can always buy local..... i'm international so i can buy whatever i want... btw the case maybe from china... ask them about it

[@hilde45]

@@a5kobe313 It's not an isolationist position; in some cases, American made things are really well made but not always. But for repairs and follow up service on an expensive purchase, there is an advantage to not having to ship it across the world. I hope that makes sense.

[@a5kobe313]

@@hilde45 sorry but the rhetoric sounds exactly from isolationist position... i buy audio gears around the globe (US included) so to belittle other countries to prop up your own isn't what this hobby is all about... so how does "Made in great China" sounds to you?

[@mrfarnz]

Steve, slightly off topic but your mention of Village Gate got my juices going. I saw Larry Coryell twice in a week there as I was friend's with Alan Pepper and his partner. Then there was Atilla, hard rocl two man group, William Joel (as in Billy) along with his drummer Jon Small. Alan warned us to move back a row or two as they were VERY Loud. Alan and his partner Stan next opened the Bottom Line where I worked for the first six months. Thanks for the triggers. Loved the review. Joe G. ESL-1.

[@olinweaver8520]

OK, Steve, I want a tube preamp with bass, treble, and med, and also loudness controls. That , I don't think, is available in new products.

[@johnholmes912]

valves make sense at the input stage; i like tube pre and solid state power amp

[@ezrahockman3511]

Thanks for the insight Steve. I have a Pass Labs XA25 and I’ve been looking into preamps, including Prima Luna’s. Has there been an XA25 preamp pairing that’s impressed you?

[@Bogwan1]

Ezra Hockman LTA. Check them out. Great pairing

[@ezrahockman3511]

@@Bogwan1 thanks for the recommendation, I haven't come across them but they look interesting and in the price range I'm looking in. Also been considering the Rogue Audio RP-7. Prima Luna 300 is in the mix too, but second thoughts after watching Steve's video above.

[@carywatmore]

You should look at Cayin as well. They make some gorgeous amps and they are well built (MIC as well).

[@rodolfob8468]

Cayin makes the Prima Luna

[@pheunthai]

@@rodolfob8468 u r absolutely right

[@pheunthai]

@Alan Whiteside Cayin and Prima Luna made by same factory. LM and Muzishare made by the same factory.

[@donvito8652]

So ... Since you scheduled the interview with him, why didn't you ask about his preamps? Steve Deckert/Decware manufacture preamps/buffers stages that outperform the Prima Luna and ... at a more reasonable price.

[@Speccy48k]

What is the interest of having a preamp over an integrated amp e.g. EVO 400 integrated amp vs EVO 400 preamp + amp? Does it make (that much of) a difference in terms of audio quality, dynamics, floor noise, etc? Also, I’ve noticed 2 EVO amps can be linked to form a pair of ‘monoblocks’. I wonder if this would be beneficial to sound (especially if a single amp is enough to drive speakers it is connected to)

[@martingagnon4372]

Thanks Steve, very instructive as usual. Will you get the chance to review the EVO 100 Integrated?

[@scotm3599]

Looks beautiful probably sounds great. I will never know because I can't ever afford it

[@pennfootball71]

Rogue Audio has some good tube preamps too just a little more made in the USA instead of China...swap out the crap JJ tubes for Mullard or gold lion and you are set.

[@hilde45]

Absolutely on those tube swaps!

[@carlitomelon4610]

Yeah: I roll, Steve;-)

[@divertiti]

Made in the USA, yeah no thanks

[@pennfootball71]

@@divertiti Let your ears be the judge.

[@janlandgraff1819]

Hey Steve, love your channel. Do you think a digital amp would go with the Prima Luna?

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Prima Luna has a very good Rep for building quality ! Hey Steve if you don't live far from KY , I would love for you to try my Sansui G 8000 Monster reciver out , I just serviced the whole amp ! Omg it has that big warm inviting midrange and it weighs 49.5 pounds 1978 it was 975.00US its perfect! Let me know buddy if you like tubes you wont believe the sound of the 2nd biggest reciever Sansui made and the built in phono pre OMG !

[@ML-rm3vk]

Great video wonderful tubes are in a different world right on thanks Steve peace.

[@jaredbenbow3900]

Steve, I’m interested to hear your opinion / review of the Evo 100 matching power amp to this pre. Thanks for your work!

[@kcjones7634]

Thanks steve for another great video But if you could please answer me a question, does it make an audible noise ?

[@hudo]

Im using Prologue Premium pre with Nord class-D power amp. Sound can vary a lot with tube rolling, and thats how you adjust it to your liking

[@souljock4409]

When the gate closed it broke my heart? Ever go to to the old Chumley's?

[@spark7516]

@Audiophiliac, do you (or anyone) have an opinion on how the Primaluna Evo 100 would pair with monoblock Schiit Aegirs?

[@ramenhausten]

what would be your suggestion for tube amp and preamp for a college broke noob to vinyl ?also love the channel mate great work and reviews!

[@carlitomelon4610]

What happened to your ROOM?? Ah nostalgia! 🎶😉🎶

[@shmuelman]

One thing that was not discussed was tube life. I listen to music all day, every day. Will I need to replace the tubes annually?

[@PDCRed]

Love the show. Love the album recommendations 👍

[@Zig_Zag_Le_Zouave]

One important aspect of Pimaluna is the autobias! You can switch between tubes without any hustle. And no need of readjusting. Plug and play, swap and play. Strongly recommended manufacturer!

[@hudo]

Yep, but autobias is used for output power tubes, not in preamp. You still have to buy matched tubes for pre

[@joehaluska584]

Steve any chance getting your thoughts on the EVO100 vs. Decware SE34i.5 6 watt integrated amp?

[@Jeton6]

hey Steve, did you ever hear Herbie Mann's Memphis Underground with Larry Coryell and Sonny Sharrock? I'd love to hear your impressions of that record on a good tube or Nelson Pass system.

[@markmaloof2984]

That's a great track! Sonny was an awesome and at times edgy guitarist, a favorite player of mine for sure.

[@henrym78]

Herman van den Dungen is a wizard.

[@jochvomberg5541]

Great info,thanks.My Nubert nuPowera amp has a Inputimpedance of 10 kOhm/22 kOhm (sym./unsym.) Means that its to much for the prima luna???

[@antoniosalles3134]

Steve. I have a Rogue Sphinx. I was thinking in adding the primaluna as a power amp and use the rogue as a preamp. Would I get benefits in doing that?

[@fcamiola]

I own the V3. Love it. Have you looked at Cronus Magnum III?

[@dzavelion]

What a tease you have done the zen triode please do a review of the 25th anniversary

[@baschii7603]

Dear Steve, may I ask if this device is better then the Audio research you reviewed or the Freya?

[@crossocean5663]

May I ask why all of a sudden the weight of the product is a factor? I am considering and heard the same tag line from the primaluna website.

[@patbarr1351]

I went through the tube-curious phase too. I'm still in it, though less curious. After loving my valve headphone amp, I bought a Primaluna Prologue amp from the local distributor back in the early days when he worked out of his house (thanks for the tour, Kevin). My place is small, so my system does 2X duty for music & home theatre. I patched the Primaluna in as my Left & Right speaker amp while my Cambridge Azure AV receiver did the surrounds & center. And it sounded pretty nice, though not very tube like (i.e. softer, with a kind of "bloom" of gentle decay). After a few days, while watching an adventure movie ("The Core"), I stopped the film, shut everything off and reconnected the Cambridge to power all the speakers. The sound field was all of a sudden smaller, like a pond that had been a lake! So I'm a Primaluna fan now.

[@jaysaudiolab]

I'd love to listen to this in my room

[@Mhtop]

So would a MA252 with a 20k input impedance not be compatible?

[@beach4me2007]

Do I need a power amp with the EVO 100? I have 98db speakers.

[@IcalebthelionI]

I am running Zu Dirty Weekend Mk.II w/ clarity caps with a PL Evo 100 Integrated and love it but that’s not even mentioning how absolutely amazing the HP output with a pair of ZMF headphones... just sublime!

[@offrack4706]

Ditto Caleb! except the headphones, boy the DW's are just out of this world with the Prima Luna Amp

[@julesl6910]

Steve, why haven't you ever covered Dynaco amplifiers? ST-70, ST-35, SCA-35, PAS 3X? The ST-70 is the best selling tube amp of all time and you haven't covered it!

[@dksculpture]

Do you plan to review the Decware 25th Anniversary Amp?

[@darpanbhuyan1909]

Hey Steve, is that a Wharfedale Evo 4.2 I see behind your right shoulder (left for viewers)???

[@brightdevices]

Price has gone up 50% from when this was recorded.

[@ryanschipp8513]

All tube preamp yet it doesn't give a tube sound? Doesn't make sense to me. So why wouldn't I just get a solid state linear preamp?

[@davidcroteau510]

HI I have a evo 100 coming soon from upscale I have new forte iv,s a rega planner 3 and a monster denon poa 2400 amp youe thoughts

[@S.A.S.H.]

Dang, the price has gone up $800 since this video was released. Ouch! Not meant as a ding on the video, nor certainly not on Steve's review.

[@logen85]

This thing really seem amazing! It would be super cool with a review of the Evo tube dac as well. It has some interesting stuff going on.

[@Daniel-hk3ru]

Hello Steve - Got my Audiophiliac T-Shirt and Coffee Mug. Enjoy your channel Dailey.

[@neilaltschuler6064]

I'm thinking of hooking it up to a McIntosh c312 amp. Ant thoughts?

[@davidcroteau510]

im looking to purchase the priimaluna evo 100 to use with denon poa 2400 amp jbl l100,s and rega planar 3 with ortfon bronze cartridge any thoughts

[@saedamad]

Good morning from Singapore Steve... I love tube...

[@galessi1226]

Steve, what is your favorite Larry Coryell lp?I am partial to " Barefoot Boy".... But I only know a couple of his other works.

[@rabit818]

So does the Prima Luna in the same league as the vintage Audio Research/Macintosh if it travelled through time?

[@yourfavouritenerd]

Have you checked out tube amps by Cayin/Spark? I know that they have made Prima Lunas amp in the past, but maybe they still do? That said, Cayin/Spark have made tube amps since 1993, is the biggest manufacturer of tube amps in the world and they make very high quality stuff at a reasonable price.

[@toranarama1]

I always thought the were USA made?

[@morespinach9832]

Would this help with a Mac mini source, going into Spendor or Dynaudio speakers?

[@aceofspades6667]

Thoughts on the PrimaLuna DiaLogue amp? These can be picked up used for around $2k just not sure if it's a solid product used and at that price point. Good enough to drive maggies?

[@neddodds7117]

Ace of Spades It’s a preamp, not a power amp or integrated amp.

[@aceofspades6667]

@@neddodds7117 PrimaLuna DiaLogue is an amp please lookup was that model. There was a Hp version and a regular.

[@dorkvader5332]

@Steve.... listen to the original of Cosmic Dancer it has Flo & Eddie on backing vocals. I bet it would sound fantastic on . that set up.

[@BrentLeVasseur]

How does this compare with the Decware ZTPRE?

[@meeronc]

Hi Steve! Thanks for your great videos and your pragmatic perspectives. If it's not beneath you, could you humor us by reviewing the tube offerings from Dayton Audio -- HTA50BT or HTA100BT -- and educate us on why it doesn't cut it or where it excels (other than price). Thanks!

[@souljock4409]

Where can I find your CD holder? Any know of a good simple one? Thanks!